Block assembly game

ABSTRACT

A game in which each player seeks to be the first to build an assembly of a plurality of blocks, in accordance with playeractuated means such as a pair of dice or a spinner, by means of which the player may have the opportunity to add a number of blocks to the assembly as specified by said means or to endeavor to displace blocks in the opponent&#39;&#39;s assembly by means of a swingable object suspended on a support member movable relative to the block assemblies of the respective players.

United States Patent Beam [451 Mar. 14, 1972 [54] BLOCK ASSEMBLY GAME [72] Inventor: Danny J. Beam, PO. Box 64, Lockport,

[22] Filed: Dec. 10, 1969 [21] Appl. N0.: 883,967

[52] US. Cl. ..273/95 A, 46/24, 273/102 A, 273/135 F [51] Int. Cl. ..A63t 3/00 [58] Field of Search ..273/95 A, 98, 102 A, 135 F, 273/40 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,577,637 12/1951 Talbot ..273/40 275,308 4/1883 Williams ..273/102 A X 3,452,989 7/1969 Jemstrom ..273/135F FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 945,753 12/1948 France ..273/95 A 847,424 8/1952 Germany ..273/40 82,073 8/1919 Switzerland ..273/98 Primary Examiner-Anton 0. Oechsle Assistant Examiner-Paul E. Shapiro Attorney-Hill, Sherman, Meroni, Gross & Simpson [57] ABSTRACT A game in which each player seeks to be the first to build an assembly of a plurality of blocks, in accordance with playeractuated means such as a pair of dice or a spinner, by means of which the player may have the opportunity to add a number of blocks to the assembly as specified by said means or to endeavor to displace blocks in the opponent's assembly by means of a swingable object suspended on a support member movable relative to the block assemblies of the respective players.

14 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures Patented March 14, 1972 .1522 INVENTUK BLOCK ASSEMBLY GAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention is directed to a game apparatus in which the objective of each player is to complete an assembly of a plurality of blocks, with the building of the assembly taking place progressively in a controlled manner with possible displacement of blocks of the opponent's assembly by means of a suspended object such as a ball or the like.

In the past, numerous games have been developed utilizing a suspended ball or similar object as a player-actuated element, by means of which such player seeks to knock down other objects. The objects to be knocked down have taken many forms, as for example, tenpins to form a bowling game, such as illustrated in US. Pat. No. 2,884,251 issued on Apr. 28, 1959 to H. B. Piper. The use of pivotally supported objects is illustrated, for example, in US. Pat. Nos. 874,840 and 1,098,462, and the use of partially restrained objects is illustrated in US. Pat. No. 148,881. Likewise, the use of tenpins or the like, each of which comprises a plurality of detachable sections is illustrated in US. Pat. No. 275,308.

Obviously, in games of this type the objective of each player is merely to knock over as many of the particular objects as possible with, for example, a count being kept of the number of objects struck by each player.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention, on the other hand, is directed to a game apparatus in which the objective of each player is to be the first to complete an assembly of plurality of blocks. The rate at which the player builds such an assembly is determined by suitable means as, for example, a pair of dice or a spinner. In the particular embodiment in the invention illustrated, rectangular blocks are employed which are to be assembled in layers to form a generally pyramidal assembly. At the same time, the dice or spinner may be employed to provide the player with an opportunity to impede his opponents progress by displacing blocks of his opponents assembly by striking the same with an object such as a relatively heavy ball suitably suspended to permit the ball to be swung in a pendulum like manner, the position of such suspended ball being adjustable over the playing surface whereby it may be disposed to strike any opponent's block assembly.

It will thus be apparent that the swingable ball is not utilized as an actuating means for advancing a players interest, but rather to impede an opponent and is used only in conjunction with other features of the game, i.e., the building of a block assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game apparatus embodying the present invention, illustrating a game in progress;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the battering ram device illustrated in FIG. 1, showing details thereof; and

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a spinner constructed in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1, the reference numeral 1 indicates generally a playing surface which may be in the form of a board or a suitable piece of sheet material which may be rolled up and placed upon a table or other hard surface when the game is to be played. Disposed on the playing surface are a plurality of building areas, indicated generally by the numeral 2, the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated being provided with six such areas whereby any number of players for two to six may play the game illustrated, each player having one of the areas which forms his building area. Also included are a plurality of blocks 3, which, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated, are in the form of cubes of suitable size, for example, having edges of 1 inch each.

While the block assembly to be formed by each player may vary in configuration, depending upon the design of the game, in the embodiment illustrated, such block assembly comprises six layers of blocks, the bottom layer having six blocks on each side and each successive layer diminishing by one block in each lateral dimension whereby the topmost layer comprises merely a single block, as clearly illustrated in FIG. 1. Each completed assembly thus comprises 91 blocks.

To facilitate the proper positioning of each successive layer of blocks in offset relation with respect to the preceding layer, each block may be provided, on at least one face of each block, with intersecting median guide lines preferably on each face of the block. Such guide lines may be suitably disposed on the block, as for example, by printing or painting the lines thereon with a color which contrasts with the general color of the block, or by means of grooves or indentations in each face of the block.

Cooperable with the block assemblies, disposed on the playing surface 1, is a battering ram indicated generally by the reference numeral 4, details of which are illustrated in FIG. 2. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated the battering ram 4 comprises a support member, indicated generally by the reference numeral 5, from which is suspended by means of cord 6, or the like, a relatively heavy object such as a metallic sphere or ball 7 whereby the latter may be swung like a pendulum. The support member 5, in the embodiment illustrated, comprises a pair of spaced vertical uprights 8 which are spaced apart in parallel relation and each adapted to be maintained in an upright position by a base structure indicated generally by the numeral 9 which includes a horizontally extending member 11 rigidly secured to the associated upright. The uprights are connected by a generally U-shaped frame 12 having respective downwardly depending leg portions 13 connected at their upper ends by a cross member 14 with the leg portions 13 being nested in the adjacent hollow upright 8 whereby each leg 13 may be vertically adjusted in the associated upright. The respective parts may be designed to snap into position at various elevations of the cross member 12 with respect to the playing surface, or an individual locking member may be provided, as illustrated in FIG. 2 in which a latch member 15 is provided with spaced pins 16 adapted to be inserted in any two adjacent holes of a series of holes formed in the upright 8 and similar holes aligned therewith in the corresponding leg portion 13, whereby the pins 16 may pass through both the upright and the leg portion 13 to firmly secure the two in any desired position of adjustment. If the structure has sufficient inherent rigidity, it may be sufficient to provide merely one latch member 15. Assuming that the block assembly employed is as illustrated in FIG. 1 and each block is a 1 inch cube, the height of the supporting member 5 may, for example, be adjustable from 10 to 13 inches, operative to raise the ball 7 from one-half inch to 3% inch above the top of the playingsurface 1.

GAME PLAY The game components heretofore described are adapted to be controlled by the individual players under the direction of a pair of dice 17, which may be of common construction.

After suitably determining the order of play between the individual players, the first player rolls the dice 17 and is entitled to assemble as many blocks on his playing area as indicated by the throw of the dice. Each following player then plays in succession in a similar manner. If a player's roll of the dice should turn up, for example, a 2, 7 or 11, he may choose to receive that number of blocks or to deliver one strike of the battering ram to another players block assembly. Following such hit, any blocks that are toppled off of the assembly are returned to the block supply and must be replaced in accordance with subsequent rolls of the dice. Blocks which are merely disturbed but not toppled off may be straightened, which shall take the place of a roll of the dice whereby such player loses his turn as far as adding blocks to his assembly.

The use of the battering ram obviously would normally take place in the latter stages of the game and would normally be directed at the opponent whose assembly is the nearest to completion. The player deciding to utilize the battering ram may have complete freedom of choice as to the adjustment of the height of the ball above the playing surface, or may be limited by specific rules as to the height which may be employed and the conditions under which adjustment may be made. While common dice may be employed, if desired, special dice may be provided which may, for example, have faces of a different color designating those sides which permit use of the battering ram.

While the play has been described with the use of dice l7, obviously other player-actuated means may be employed in place thereof. As for example, a spinner such as that illustrated in FIG. 4, for example, being divided into 12 divisions numbered from 1 to 12 and with the exception of the number 1 space, corresponding to the possible combinations of the dice 17. In this arrangement a predetermined number of spaces, for example three, such as 1, 5 and 9 are suitably marked, as for example by means of a contrasting color or by suitable indicia such as the representation 18 of a hanging ball to designate the numbers at which the player is given the option of utilizing the battering ram. In all other respects, the game would be played in the same manner as herebefore described.

It will be appreciated that the game may be readily played, in the embodiment illustrated, with any number of players from two to six, or may be readily designed for a greater or lesser number of players. Likewise, the supporting member of the battering ram may be provided with suitable dimensions, particularly, the spacing between the two uprights 8, to permit any desired type of movement or limitation of movement of the structure with respect to a block assembly.

Likewise, the battering ram structure could be so designed, particularly where the area of the playing surface is relatively small, to have the mounting of the suspended ball adjustable, as for example, carried by a swingable arm, whereby the ball is supported from a fixed point on the playing surface but may be suitably moved to a position with respect to any one of the playing areas to permit the striking of a block assembly on such area.

Having thus described my invention, it will be obvious that various immaterial modifications may be made of the same without departing from the spirit of my invention, hence l do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact form, arrangement, and combination of parts herein shown and described.

I claim as my invention:

1. A game apparatus comprising means forming a playing s$rface having a designated building area for each for a plurality of players, a plurality of blocks constructed for cooperation with one another whereby a plurality of blocks may be disposed on the respective playerss building areas in an orderly arrangement to form an assembly having a height defined by a plurality of blocks disposed one upon the other, and a battering ram including a battering object suspended from a cord mounted on a supporting structure, the latter being constructed to permit the disposition of the suspended object to be swung, in pendulum fashion, into contact with a block assembly disposed on any one of said building areas, said battering ram comprising a supporting member, movable on the playing surface, from which member said battering object is suspended.

2. A game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein playtakes place in respective turns, comprising in further combination player-actuatable means for indicating the number of blocks to be added to a players assembly during each of such players turns, or the use by such player of the battering ram to endeavor to displace blocks of an opponents assembly.

3. A game apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said plaIer-actuatable means comprises a pair of dice.

. A game apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said player-actuatable means comprises a spinner structure.

5. A game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said battering object is a ball.

6. A game apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the mounting on said supporting member for the ball supporting cord is constructed to permit vertical adjustment of said ball with respect to the playing surface.

7. A game apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said supporting member is of a generally U-shaped configuration with the connecting member at the top thereof, to which said cord is attached, being vertically adjustable to effect such vertical adjustment of such ball.

8. A game apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said connecting member is provided at each end with downwardly depending leg portions slidable with respect to cooperable hollow uprights, and means engageable with at least one leg portion for retaining said connecting member in a selected position of adjustment with respect to said uprights.

9. A game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of said blocks is in the shape of a cube.

10. A game apparatus according to claim 9, wherein each completed block assembly comprises a plurality of layers of blocks, one layer disposed upon another, with each successive layer having fewer blocks that the preceding layer, to form an assembly having a generally pyramidal shape.

11. A game apparatus according to claim 9, wherein each block has on at least one face thereof means forming guide lines thereon facilitating accurate assembly of said blocks in layers with the blocks of each layer being offset with respect to the blocks of the adjacent layers.

12. A game apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the guide lines on a face comprise intersecting median lines.

13. A game apparatus in which play takes place in respective turns comprising means fonning a playing surface having a designated building area for each of a plurality of players, a plurality of blocks constructed for cooperation with one another whereby a plurality of blocks may be disposed on the respective players building areas in an orderly arrangement to form an assembly having a height defined by a plurality of blocks disposed one upon the other, a battering ram including a battering object suspended from a cord mounted on a supporting structure, the latter being constructed to permit the disposition of the suspended object to be swung, in pendulum fashion, into contact with a block assembly disposed on any one of said building areas, and player-actuatable means comprising a spinner structure for indicating the number of blocks to be added to a players assembly during each of such players turns, or the use by such player of the battering ram to endeavor to displace blocks of an opponents assembly.

14. A game apparatus comprising means forming a playing surface having a designated building area for each of a plurality of players, a plurality of blocks each in the shape of a cube and constructed for cooperation with one another whereby a plurality of blocks may be disposed on the respective players building areas in an orderly arrangement to form an assembly having a height defined by a plurality of blocks disposed one upon the other, each completed block assembly comprising a plurality of layers of blocks, one layer disposed upon another, with each successive layer having fewer blocks than the preceding layer, to form an assembly having a generally pyramidal shape, each block having on at least one face thereof interesting median guide lines facilitating accurate assembly of said blocks in layers with the blocks of each layer being offset with respect to the blocks of the adjacent layers, and a battering ram including a battering suspended from a cord mounted on a supporting structure, the latter being constructed to permit the disposition of the suspended to be swung, in pendulum fashion, into contact with a block assembly disposed on any one of said building areas. 

1. A gamE apparatus comprising means forming a playing surface having a designated building area for each for a plurality of players, a plurality of blocks constructed for cooperation with one another whereby a plurality of blocks may be disposed on the respective players''s building areas in an orderly arrangement to form an assembly having a height defined by a plurality of blocks disposed one upon the other, and a battering ram including a battering object suspended from a cord mounted on a supporting structure, the latter being constructed to permit the disposition of the suspended object to be swung, in pendulum fashion, into contact with a block assembly disposed on any one of said building areas, said battering ram comprising a supporting member, movable on the playing surface, from which member said battering object is suspended.
 2. A game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein play takes place in respective turns, comprising in further combination, player-actuatable means for indicating the number of blocks to be added to a player''s assembly during each of such player''s turns, or the use by such player of the battering ram to endeavor to displace blocks of an opponent''s assembly.
 3. A game apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said player-actuatable means comprises a pair of dice.
 4. A game apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said player-actuatable means comprises a spinner structure.
 5. A game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said battering object is a ball.
 6. A game apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the mounting on said supporting member for the ball supporting cord is constructed to permit vertical adjustment of said ball with respect to the playing surface.
 7. A game apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said supporting member is of a generally U-shaped configuration with the connecting member at the top thereof, to which said cord is attached, being vertically adjustable to effect such vertical adjustment of such ball.
 8. A game apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said connecting member is provided at each end with downwardly depending leg portions slidable with respect to cooperable hollow uprights, and means engageable with at least one leg portion for retaining said connecting member in a selected position of adjustment with respect to said uprights.
 9. A game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of said blocks is in the shape of a cube.
 10. A game apparatus according to claim 9, wherein each completed block assembly comprises a plurality of layers of blocks, one layer disposed upon another, with each successive layer having fewer blocks that the preceding layer, to form an assembly having a generally pyramidal shape.
 11. A game apparatus according to claim 9, wherein each block has on at least one face thereof means forming guide lines thereon facilitating accurate assembly of said blocks in layers with the blocks of each layer being offset with respect to the blocks of the adjacent layers.
 12. A game apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the guide lines on a face comprise intersecting median lines.
 13. A game apparatus in which play takes place in respective turns comprising means forming a playing surface having a designated building area for each of a plurality of players, a plurality of blocks constructed for cooperation with one another whereby a plurality of blocks may be disposed on the respective player''s building areas in an orderly arrangement to form an assembly having a height defined by a plurality of blocks disposed one upon the other, a battering ram including a battering object suspended from a cord mounted on a supporting structure, the latter being constructed to permit the disposition of the suspended object to be swung, in pendulum fashion, into contact with a block assembly disposed on any one of said building areas, and player-actuatable means comprising a spinner structure for indicating the number of blocks to be added to a player''s assembly during eacH of such player''s turns, or the use by such player of the battering ram to endeavor to displace blocks of an opponent''s assembly.
 14. A game apparatus comprising means forming a playing surface having a designated building area for each of a plurality of players, a plurality of blocks each in the shape of a cube and constructed for cooperation with one another whereby a plurality of blocks may be disposed on the respective player''s building areas in an orderly arrangement to form an assembly having a height defined by a plurality of blocks disposed one upon the other, each completed block assembly comprising a plurality of layers of blocks, one layer disposed upon another, with each successive layer having fewer blocks than the preceding layer, to form an assembly having a generally pyramidal shape, each block having on at least one face thereof interesting median guide lines facilitating accurate assembly of said blocks in layers with the blocks of each layer being offset with respect to the blocks of the adjacent layers, and a battering ram including a battering suspended from a cord mounted on a supporting structure, the latter being constructed to permit the disposition of the suspended to be swung, in pendulum fashion, into contact with a block assembly disposed on any one of said building areas. 